Musical Notation
by George Rivera

June 25, 2000 - Father's Day in the Apple was one of the best in recent history, music-wise that is. This past Sunday, which just happened to be El Dia de los Padres, was so in more ways than one. Those of you lucky enough to be hanging in the Apple were treated to a free concert featuring some of the "forefathers" of Latin music.

Present at Central Park's SummerStage were three legendary innovators who represent the musical connection between generations for well over half a century of mambo, Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms in general. We're talking about Arturo "Chico" O'Farrill, Israel Lopez "Cachao" and Carlos "Patato" Valdes.

Chico got things underway with his big band. The band had the joint jumping. The band went through a set of classics from Chico's musical book. Fine performances were turned in by all the guys in this very tight-knit group. Two guys that stood out were Jim Seely (trumpet) and Sam Burtis (trombone). You can catch the band every Sunday night down at Birdland. I highly recommend it. It'll be a night you won't forget.

As if that was not enough, Cachao steps out, along with the legendary conguero, Carlos "Patato" Valdes. The crowd roared with approval as these three musical giants broke into a descarga. The addition of Cachao and Patato added another dimension to the big band, one that took the music in another direction. Cachao and Andy Gonzalez on bass, and Patato's melodic tumbao spiced things up nicely for the crowd which responded with a loud roar of approval. After the brief encounter Cachao and his descarga closed the event with a set of classic descargas from the legendary Panart recordings. This was a historic event which was also being video taped for a future documentary. Hopefully those of you that missed out on this event won't have to wait too long to experience the happening.

Monday night's best musical ticket belonged to SOB's. This past Monday Bamboleo had the crowd vivito y coleando to their infectious beat. The band put on a great performance. Those that just couldn't get enough of that wiggle, and you know who you are, followed the band to the Copa on Tuesday.

If Bamboleo is not your cup of tea then Carnegie Hall was the place to be Tuesday night. The legendary Orquesta Aragon was holding court there with special guest Ruben Blades and Editus. This was one of the few Latin showcases for this year's JVC Jazz Festival. The next big night will be this coming Saturday, when Eddie Palmieri takes the stage to premiere the music from his latest recording, a project which united Tito Puente and Eddie. This event was supposed to feature Puente and Palmieri. Due to Maestro Puente's untimely death the concert will now feature Palmieri, along with Cheo Feliciano, Domingo Quiñones and Michael Stuart.

Another happening this past Tuesday was the record release party for RykoLatino recording artist, Nava. Nava is the nickname of Puerto Rican composer Rodolfo Barreras. Elvis Crespo, Gilberto Santa Rosa, India, Jerry Rivera, Olga Tañon, Wilkins and Yolandita Monge are just a few of the artists who have recorded Rodolfo's compositions. His compositions have earned him three prestigious Premio ASCAP awards in three different categories (salsa, merengue and balada). His latest release is a mixture of pop and rock combined with Latin rhythms. The record should do well in the Latino Pop market, as well as with the Rock in Español crowd.

Unfortunately that's all for this week. As you read this I am soaking up the rays on some beach in la isla del encanto, Puerto Rico. Not to worry, it's a working vacation of sorts, if you can call this work...

Hasta la proxima, ciao…

Previous Column

NightLife in the City

Sunday, June 25

Luis Damon @ Copacabana

Monday, June 26

Truko & Zaperoko@ SOBs

Tuesday, June 27

Jose Alberto, Cuco Valoy @ Copacabana

Wednesday, June 28

Ray Sepulveda @ Club Ivy

Albita @ Lincon Center

Thursday, June 29

Raulin Rosendo @ Latin Quarter

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs @ Copacabana

Wayne Gorbea @ Windows On The World

Tito Rojas @ Copacabana

Friday, June 30

Ray De LaPaz @ Tony's Of Worth

Luis Damon @ Cafe Remy

Sublime (Charanga) @ Wild Palm

Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ravel @ Copacabana

Saturday, July 1

Gilberto Santa Rosa, Son By Four @ Copacabana

Sunday, July 2

Little Louie Vega,  Nuyorican Soul Orchestra @ Central Park Summerstage

1:30pm - 3:00pm

Jose Alberto, Fiesta @ Copacabana

Monday, July 3

Gilberto Santa Rosa, Los Hermanos Rosario @ Copacabana

Ray Sepulveda @ Latin Quarter

Tuesday, July 4

Luis Damon, Venessa, Ravel @ Copacabana